The mayor took nearly 59 percent of the vote and won all seven wards. His Republican rival, Eugene Tomanio, had 37 percent, and Independent Wendell Johnson about 4 percent.

Cheryl Reedy of New Fairfield, who opened her campaign by conceding victory to Republican First Selectman John Fairchild, scored an upset victory that will make her the town's first Democratic chief executive in more than 25 years, with a 13-vote margin over Republican Eugene Arcery.

Less than a week after Reedy conceded, the Republican Town Committee decided against endorsing Fairchild, moments before the party's caucus.

Democratic First Selectman Clifford Hurgin rode a tidal wave of support to win his second term, beating Republican challenger Libby Kellogg by more than a 2-to-1 margin. Republicans, however, were celebrating in Ridgefield, where six of their candidates defeated Democratic challengers.

As a gesture of good will, the Portuguese city of Gouveia has donated 500 books to Danbury Library. The presentation at the library marked the first anniversary of the two cities' relationship.

Manuel Cipriano, a member of the Danbury sister city committee, said residents of Gouveia and area villages purchased the books.

The city of Danbury is about to take ownership of a pump station and two water tanks -- built by two condominium developers for $750,000 -- to serve residents of the Topstone Drive area.

The pump station has increased water pressure for daily use and for the first time provides enough water to fight fires with city hydrants in the area.

For the past 30 years, residents at higher elevations in the area, including Topstone, Beechwood, Fleetwood and Westwood drives, at times suffered extremely low water, and any fire required the Fire Department to rely solely on pump and tank trucks.

This week's Danbury Hospital Ball marks the full return of the Danbury Hilton Inn after an outbreak of hepatitis. In August (1985), Hilton employees began exhibiting hepatitis symptoms. By mid-October, 75 people had been diagnosed as having the infectious disease.

Nancy and Ralph Banzhaf of New Milford are trying to comprehend how the $1.8 million they won in last week's state Lotto drawing will change their lives. They picked up their first check this week.

50 years ago

The battle of Danbury's Liberty Street playground has been won temporarily by 67 signers of a counter-petition to keep the recreation site open for children of residents who live along the streets in the heart of the city.

Earlier, 15 petitioners had asked the city's Park Board to close the playground.

A suggestion by Danbury Common Councilman James Tita that Seventh Avenue, which runs through the Danbury State College campus, be made a one-way street received support at the monthly meeting of the board of councilmen.

Louis Alhage has been elected commander of the Danbury Post, Catholic War Veterans.

75 years ago

Camp Hook, Civilian Conservation Corps, in New Fairfield closes today (Nov. 1, 1935) after functioning since May 1933. The last company of the khaki-clad CCC boys have left for their homes in various parts of the state.

A detail of about 10 men from Camp Fechner on the Sugar Hollow Road went to Camp Hook this morning to assist officials in closing the camp and cleaning up the grounds.

During a colorful Halloween celebration that was unmarred by vandalism of any sort, hundreds of gaily costumed people frolicked in the business section of Danbury. Thousands sat in cars or mingled with the throng. Most noticeable among the myriad costumes was one that depicted Mae West, the actress.

Members of St. George Syrian Orthodox Society tendered a farewell this week to the Rev. N.A. Wehby, who left Danbury for Detroit, the pastor's home.

Aroused from their sleep shortly after 1 o'clock this morning (Nov. 1, 1935) as the East's most serious earthquake in decades shook 17 states, hundreds of Danburians who felt their homes swaying and creaking rushed into the streets, half-clad, fearing their houses would tumble down on their heads.

They stood half-dressed in the streets for several minutes before daring to re-enter. The first call received at police headquarters came from Griffing Avenue, where an excited voice told the lieutenant that the man believed a still had blown up.